I need to replace one of the actuators for the rear AC and I need to remove the rear interior plastic panel, looks like one huge piece. any clues how to remove it w/o breaking into pieces??

 

wow....this not good

 

Can you be a little more specific as to what panel? that may help someone help you. As for panel removal, most panels always have hiden or hard to see screws. I would take my time and just go one screw at a time, never try to pull of force the panel off. Unfortunately, some panels do require specialized tools. Hope this helps.

 

I don't know if it varies by model year, but as I recall, all of my panels just snapped on. So, yank off might be an appropriate approach. You might stop by your dealership or local trim shop and seek their advice.

 

What year truck? On my 2003 and 2004 the panel with the ac stuff is a pain to remove. Starting with the upper seatbelt slide bolts and eventually the lower torx seatbelt bolts and two other upper panels and then the whole lower panel. But you might be able to remove the cup holder/pocket on top of the panel and get to the white box.


Good luck,
Chad

 

its an '04 but unfortunately is not the actuator on the top which I could access by removing the tray and cup holder. its the actuator on the side which is impossbile to get to w/o removing the whole side panel....thanks for the tips!!!

 

I replaced both actuators on my 03 without removing the side panel, my arms were a bit sore from squeezing in thru the top tray and front cup holder openings. IT took a lot of patience but it can be done. I was able to pry the top tray out and then reach inside and forward to pop the cup holder out. working through both openings I was able to replace the front actuator. most of the work is done blind, by feel only.



Jim

 

wow....how the heck did you get the screws out that are holding the actuator??? I cant even squeeze a finger in there, never mind a wrench or ratchet.

 

PATIENCE. The side panel does flex a bit so you can slide you arm in between the side panel and the air handler. My forearms were pretty sore from slideing in thru the top tray but I felt it was worth it versus pulling the side panel. I've had too many of the metal clips tear through the plastic that I wasn't going to remove the panel if I had to. Most of the work is done blind, you can see the actuator once you remove the cup holder.


The temperature controller is down on the side of the air plenum access thru the tray opening. The actuator that controls air flow to the ceiling or side vent is mounted forward with access thru the cup holder.

 

Ok I pulled it off like you said w/o removing the panel...what a pain in the @ss, my hands are all red and bruised, took me like an hour of frustration and patience like you said, but all is good now....thanks man